Loosen the shrouds to pin forestay? H260

[Sublime]

I keep my boat in a slip. I tensioned my shrouds to about 300 lbs. Prior to doing so, the tension of the shrouds didn't even register on the gauge and the forestay could be a little difficult (perhaps I hadn't pulled everything forward as much as I should).
I'm moving my boat to another lake. I just wondered if it's going to be possible to undo the forestay and repin it without slackening the shrouds?

 

[MABell]

I wouldn'd count on it. Especially if it's tightened to where it needs to be. I've seen some people rig and tighten it, then count the turns loosing to make it easier later to re-rig.

 

[Vic H.]

I do every season, on my Shark 24. I use the jib halyard attached to the bow and add a block or two for purchase (I take off the vang and use it). However, the Shark is a fractional rig and has a very bendy mast. I'm not familiar with your rig.

Vic H.

I wouldn'd count on it. Especially if it's tightened to where it needs to be. I've seen some people rig and tighten it, then count the turns loosing to make it easier later to re-rig.

 

[isaksp00]

I would never try to lower without loosening the shrouds on my 23.

 

[Juice6576]

Slack the forestay

I always used to slack the forestay when unstepping the mast.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Sublime;

When tensioned correctly, you should not have to lossen the shrouds. First are you located in North Carolina, SC or VA and if so, I can assist if you need help. I am considered the godfather on this boat.

Rule of thumb on tensioning of the upper or outer shrouds. I usually am able to pull with one finger keeping my hand steady the upper shroud in about 1-2 inches and that is plenty. Never used a tension guage as I was taught by the old timers plus I sold probably about 25% of the entire production line of the 260.

Sometimes I also see the mast with too much prebend and there should only be a slight prebend. Ok, it will take a long time but send me an email where I can call you on Sunday or Monday as I am delivering a refurbished 260 this weekend. My email is
davecondon@mindspring.com and reference H260 tuning.

Crazy Dave Condon

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I agree. I tuned my rig with a Loos gauge for the first time this season. I completely forgot about it by the end of the season and dropped my mast, as usual. I don't recall any additional difficulty pulling the forestay pin.

 

[BrianW]

That standing rigging must be damn tight (too tight IMHO) if you can't get an extra 1/2" of slack when pulling on the mast raising pole with the mainsheet purchase. On my H26, I've never had to loosen my shrouds or forestay before removing or installing the forestay pin. BrianW

 

[shanker]

I have only raised a total of 8 times since I bought my 260 and I was taught by the previous owner not to loosen the shrouds. There is some tension on the forestay pin which I use a small ratchet strap to take up that tension to remove and replace the pin (one end on trailer the other wrapped on the furler). It's not much pressure at all and is very easy to do.

 

[Dan Hill]

In the 6 years of raising the mast and sailing our h240 (similar rig) I have never needed to loosen any rigging to step or unstep her mast. Using the factory gin pole setup which includes the main sheet tackle, there is plenty of force to pull the mast forward enough to un pin the forestay.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I know most of you know this but needs mentioning again. When raising or lowering the mast on any of the water ballasted boats, never put your hands on the mast raise pole to assist in raising or lowering as you could inadvertently bend the pole. If that happens, you will loose your mast damaging the boat and/or hurting people. Just a reminder as I had many poles to replace for customers over the years doing that stunt.

crazy dave

 

[Sublime]

Sublime;

When tensioned correctly, you should not have to lossen the shrouds. First are you located in North Carolina, SC or VA and if so, I can assist if you need help. I am considered the godfather on this boat.

Rule of thumb on tensioning of the upper or outer shrouds. I usually am able to pull with one finger keeping my hand steady the upper shroud in about 1-2 inches and that is plenty. Never used a tension guage as I was taught by the old timers plus I sold probably about 25% of the entire production line of the 260.

Sometimes I also see the mast with too much prebend and there should only be a slight prebend. Ok, it will take a long time but send me an email where I can call you on Sunday or Monday as I am delivering a refurbished 260 this weekend. My email is
davecondon@mindspring.com and reference H260 tuning.

Crazy Dave Condon

No, I am in Texas. That would be a long drive but I appreciate the offer.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I guess I am the expert here but feel free to contact me anytime at davecondon@mindspring.com. what ever is asked I will advise via personal and the forum.

Crazy Dave

 

[Mike in Cape Cod]

I guess I am the expert here but feel free to contact me anytime at davecondon@mindspring.com. what ever is asked I will advise via personal and the forum.

Crazy Dave

Dave,
On the contrary, your idea of tensioning the shrouds by using YOUR finger pressure, could be a huge difference if when I or someone else were to apply the same method.

The LOOS gauge is a scientific instrument designed to accurately tension standing rigging. The majority of weekend sailors under- tension their rigging and thus are adversely affecting efficient mast tuning, compromise their safety, and are degrading the ship's performance.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Mike in Cape Cod;

I have seen the Loos Gauge used inaccurately too. My experience comes from the school of hard knox, involvement with the water ballast boats which most of you do not know the extent, selling more than all dealers and so forth. However, I have tuned so many over the years and when I say 1-2 inches pull on the outer shroud and slight prebend, this is experience talking. A good example is racing the 240 and 260 against the best who were in larger boats and beat them and some were world known.

However, I have always said if you feel comfortable with the way you are tuning, then do so. THe water ballast rigs were designed with proper tuning, there would be no need to adjust the tuning of the shrouds or forestay.

One word of caution to all. First, never use the mast raise pole to raise or lower the mast with by grabbing it in the center or it will collapse and you will see the mast fall. I watched one fellow recently do this while standing on the dock, rushing onto the 260 and pushed the mast forward till secured. I taught him my method and he is pleased with what I did. I did not tell him who I was and walked away.

The other word of caution is the mainsheet block used in mast raising attached to u bolt in the anchor well. Under tension when releasing, use your foot of course in a shoe to push down the line. NEVER USE YOUR HAND NEAR THAT BLOCK OR YOU COULD INJURE YOUR HAND OR EVEN LOOSE A FINGER.

Crazy dave condon

 

[canmor]

I never loosen the shrouds when stepping or un stepping the mast.
I use a line/rope pre-measured as a stirup, around the furler drum.
The rope has a bowline knot on each end. A small bowline on one end;I feed the entire rope through and around the furler drum. The other end has a larger bowline knot for my foot.

This allows me to pull the forestay/ furler drum down the last little bit, simply by stepping down with my body weight. It leaves both hands free to deal with the pin.

When unstepping the mast; I place a wash mit over the furler drum after removing the pin. The drum can be left to slide accross the deck without scratching the gelcoat.